The Permanent Mission of Sri Lanka to the United Nations in New York welcomed the New York-based diplomatic corps to the second annual photographic exhibition organized in association with the America-Sri Lanka Photographic Art Society of Los Angeles on 29 April 2025. The exhibition titled Beauty of Sri Lanka, showcased over 80 images displaying the natural beauty, wildlife, and rich historical, cultural heritage of Sri Lanka. It was a celebration of the beauty of Sri Lanka’s landscape and wildlife and served as a reminder of the power of visual storytelling.

Charge d’Affaires a.i. Chatura Perera declared the exhibition open at a ceremony, and welcomed guests to the exhibition, which offered a glimpse into the rich biodiversity of fauna and flora of Sri Lanka. He praised the efforts of the America-Sri Lanka Photographic Art Society in sharing Sri Lanka’s beauty with global audiences.

The Deputy Chef de Cabinet Ms. Blanca Montejo of the Office of the President of the General Assembly attended as a special guest. Speaking at the event, Ms Montejo remarked that initiatives such as this remind us that “the essence of diplomacy extends well beyond formal meetings. At its core, diplomacy is about connecting cultures, bridging divides and fostering mutual understanding; it’s about celebrating the people that make up the mosaic of humanity”.

The exhibition was a success, with many of the attendees expressing their delight and appreciation of the unseen images of Sri Lanka’s wildlife. The Deputy Chef de Cabinet presented mementos of appreciation to the photographers, noting that “each photograph captures an aspect of what makes Sri Lanka so unique and so beautiful”.

This exhibition aligned with Earth Day observed on 22 April. The exhibition began in Los Angeles before traveling to New York, and will continue in Washington DC in May.

Permanent Mission of Sri Lanka to the United Nations

New York, 30 April 2025